PeaceHealth takes precautionary measures to prepare for novel coronavirus

PeaceHealth continues to actively monitor and prepare for the potential spread of novel coronavirus in its communities. As of today, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed five cases in the U.S., including one in Everett, Washington, with another 73 cases pending confirmation.

At this time, no confirmed cases have been identified at any PeaceHealth facilities.

It’s important to know that coronaviruses are common throughout the world. The novel coronavirus is a specific strain in the larger family of coronavirus that originated in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, in December.

The virus has resulted in the spread of a pneumonia-like illness in a growing number of international locations. Symptoms include fever, cough and difficulty breathing.

PeaceHealth is asking patients who feel they may at risk or are experiencing symptoms to please call before visiting our hospitals and clinics. This allows us to create a care plan that ensures the safety of our patients and caregivers.

The CDC is recommending avoiding all non-essential travel to China; however the CDC is not recommending any travel restrictions in the U.S. right now. PeaceHealth continues to closely monitor the situation in its communities in partnership with the CDC and local public health agencies. A number of processes and precautions have been implemented at all PeaceHealth hospitals and clinics, including:

• Screening protocols to identify those who have traveled abroad or have symptoms.
• Facilitating lab testing for patients who may be at risk.
• Implementation of CDC-recommended isolation processes and procedures.
• Assurance of adequate supplies of protective equipment in all locations, including masks and appropriate signage.

As always, hand hygiene is critical to stop the spread of germs. Wash your hands frequently and cover your mouth and nose with your elbow when coughing or sneezing. Visit the CDC’s novel coronavirus website for the latest news and resources.

About PeaceHealth
PeaceHealth, based in Vancouver, Wash., is a not-for-profit Catholic health system offering care to communities in Washington, Oregon and Alaska. PeaceHealth has approximately 16,000 caregivers, a group practice with more than 900 providers and 10 medical centers serving both urban and rural communities throughout the Northwest. In 1890, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace founded what has become PeaceHealth. The Sisters shared expertise and transferred wisdom from one medical center to another, always finding the best way to serve the unmet need for healthcare in their communities. Today, PeaceHealth is the legacy of the founding Sisters and continues with a spirit of respect, stewardship, collaboration and social justice in fulfilling its Mission.